Jewish Food Festival serves up a sustainable feast

This year's festival in Sydney will focus on environmental awareness, from a solar-powered barbecue to eco-friendly lunchboxes.

The Jewish Food Festival returns to Sydney this week, with a delectable agenda designed to entertain and inspire all sorts of foodies — from humble home cooks to top chef wannabes.

Running on Sunday 10 March, the annual celebration of Jewish culture and cuisine brings together cooking demonstrations and competitions, live entertainment, a dedicated kid's zone and food stalls boasting Jewish delicacies from across the globe.

Director Anna Kharzeeva said the 2024 festival will also spotlight sustainability, with a curated series of environmentally-conscious workshops and activities. The Jewish Climate Network will be serving vegetarian sausages cooked on a sun-powered grill, while Jewish urban farm Adamama will teach attendees about fermentation, food drying, sourdough creation and plant propagation.

"With a focus on sustainable eating, zero waste and cultural heritage, this festival promises to be a glimpse into the heart and soul of Sydney’s Jewish cuisine, reflecting the vibrancy of Jewish culinary traditions," Kharzeeva explained.

"It's about building connections and celebrating the diversity that makes our community so special."

Jewish community non-profit Shalom, the brains behind the Jewish Food Festival, expects up to 3,000 people to attend this year's event, following an enthusiastic response to its last iteration in 2022.

Celebrity headliners include The Great Australian Bake Off winner Ella Rossanis demonstrating her "use it all" lemon meringue pie; TV chef and author Ed Halmagyi, from Avner’s Bakery, teaching his top tips to baking a perfect challah; sustainability educator Jo Taranto creating an eco-friendly lunchbox; and Israel-based Australian cook Rami Tal showcasing his three favourite dips.

There are also two competitions open to the public: cookie creators can face-off in "Sydney's Great Jewish Bake-Off", while culinary pairs can show off their prowess by creating a delicious dish from a box of secret ingredients in a team challenge.

Over 30 Kosher and vegetarian food stalls will showcase the diversity of Jewish cuisine and culture, from Reuben sandwiches, home-made gravalax and pickles to hummus, pita and blintzes.

Stallholders include Dalia’s Pantry, FRESS Gourmet, Ta Ta Ta Pizza, Seven Fat Cows, OMG! Donuts and Pesach Pantry, among others.

Young kids aged two to eight can enjoy a dedicated program which includes an outdoor kitchen play area, chill-out book nook, recycle station and creative activities. Israeli dancing and musical acts will also take place during the day.

The Sydney Jewish Food Festival runs from 10am to 3pm on Sunday 10 March at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter. Tickets can be purchased online.